Grass 'Broom Corn Black Amber'

Black Amber Broom Corn (Sorghum bicolor)

Black Amber Broom Corn is a dramatic heirloom prized for its tall, glossy purple-black stalks and ornamental seed heads that bring bold structure and dark elegance to gardens. Rising up to 8 feet, each plant produces abundant, textured seed clusters ideal for autumn décor, floral arrangements, or traditional broom-making. Its striking form and deep colour make it a standout in cutting gardens, pollinator patches, or rustic displays, whether used fresh or dried.

Also valued by birds and beneficial insects, Black Amber Broom Corn enriches the garden ecosystem while offering practical use. Drought-tolerant and robust, it yields approximately 10 stems per plant, and successive plantings every two weeks ensure a continuous harvest. This heirloom variety combines ornamental beauty, functionality, and old-world charm for a truly commanding presence in the garden.

DETAILS:

QTY: 100

TYPE: Annual

SITE: Full Sun

SEED DEPTH: 1/4"

GERMINATION: 7 - 14 days at 20 - 22°C 

HEIGHT: 72 - 96"

MATURITY: 85 - 110 Days

SPACING: 9

PINCH: No

HOW TO GROW:

Transplant (recommended): Sow seeds indoors 6 weeks before the last frost. Do not soak seeds prior to planting. Harden off seedlings by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions for 7–10 days before transplanting them after all danger of frost has passed.

Direct Seed (alternative): Sow seeds directly outdoors after the last frost date, once the soil has warmed. Plant seeds 3" apart. When plants are 4" tall, thin them to 8–12" or up to 24–36" apart, depending on your desired stalk thickness.

Pinching: Pinching is not necessary for sorghum.

Soil Preference and Watering: Sorghum is a heat-loving plant that thrives in full sun and a variety of soil types, but prefers well-drained soil. Keep the soil consistently moist during germination and early growth. Once established, sorghum is very drought-tolerant.

Fertilizing: Sorghum is a heavy feeder. Amend the soil with compost before planting. For optimal growth, you can apply a balanced fertilizer every 4–6 weeks throughout the growing season.

Harvesting: Sorghum can be harvested for its sweet stalks or for its grain. To harvest grain, wait until the seed heads are fully mature and have turned a deep, rich colour. Cut the stalks and hang the heads to dry in a well-ventilated area. For syrup, harvest stalks when the seeds are in the dough stage but before they are fully mature.

Other Tips: Sorghum is wind-pollinated, but unlike corn, it produces its seeds on a single terminal head. Plant in dense blocks to help suppress weeds and maximize your yield.